Explore Daufuskie Island with a Low Country Drifters Boat Tour

An island tour + boat tour = a perfect adventure

Located in South Carolina and only accessible by boat, Daufuskie Island is one of the area’s best-kept secrets and a perfect destination for a boat tour.

With a full-time population of just over 400 people, the 5,000-acre island encompasses a rich cultural experience with Gullah houses, a distillery, an art gallery, eateries, Marsh Tacky horses, and layered history, plus environmental preserves and rookeries – all of which can be easily accessed by a golf cart. Therefore, opting for a guided tour of the island is a perfect addition to a Low Country Drifters boat tour.

Due to its Gullah and Civil War history, Daufuskie Island was named a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours & Taxis

Low Country Drifters offers guided inland tours on our 8-person golf cart as well as water taxi services for extended stays.

  • Starting at 4 hours; however, a full-day charter allows for an island tour

  • Up to 6 guests

  • Dog-friendly

  • Lunch on the island can be coupled with shark tooth and fossil finding!

First inhabited by the Muscogee, “Daufuskie” comes from the Muscogee language and means “sharp feather”, for the island’s distinctive shape. Early Spanish and French explorers also made stops on Daufuskie. Spanish settlers introduced their distinctive Iberian horses to the area; descendants of these horses are known as “Carolina Marsh Tacky” and still reside on the island.

Following the Revolutionary War, Daufuskie was in the center of the “live oaking” trade crucial to the development of US maritime power. Early in the Civil War, Union troops on Daufuskie supported the siege and reduction of Fort Pulaski protecting the Savannah River entrance. From the 1880s the oyster industry flourished on Daufuskie. By the turn of the century, the island had a population of 2,000-3,000, most of whom worked in this lucrative shellfish trade. Sadly, pollution closed the oyster beds and the island’s economy started its decline in the 1950s.

Only found at Freeport Marina’s Old Daufuskie Crab Company, the Scrap Iron drink has a history of its own. After the decline of jobs due to the lack of oysters, locals would make corn liquor, place the barrels in a canoe, cover it with scrap iron, and row to River Street to sell it. When asked by the revenue officers what they were hauling, they would tell them Scrap Iron to sell to feed their families. The liquor finally became known as scrap iron and the recipe is still a secret. Fair warning: it’s strong.

Then, head over to the Bloody Point Lighthouse, to try the island’s famous Scuppernong Wine at the Silver Dew Winery – South Carolina’s Oldest Winery in the State! It’s building was originally constructed in a 1883 as a wick house.

Don’t forget to stop by the Daufuskie Island Distillery for a tour and a try of their Daufuskie Island Rum and other local spirits all distilled locally on the island. Stay for awhile and enjoy a bite to eat while you sit on their spacious patio overlooking a pond that’s home to local wildlife.

*Please drink responsibly*

What’s consistent about Daufuskie Island are the people – you’ll never meet a stranger. Read on to learn about some of Low Country Drifters’s favorite pitstops while on the island.  Each location welcoming as ever:

Bloody Point Lighthouse & Silver Dew Winery

This stop is a two-fer. The Silver Dew Winery is South Carolina’s oldest winery. Pat Conway references it in The Water is Wide. It sits just before you get to the lighthouse, which was named after the historic battleground between Native Americans and English settlers. Both charming with storied pasts, Captain Bryan will be sure to share their history with you. The lighthouse boasts a magnificent museum that is not to miss.

Daufuskie Island Distillery

Between the distillery and their On Deck Diner, you really can’t go wrong. Their libations are applauded by all, and we often get asked to “grab another bottle” for someone while we’re on the island. Hungry? The diner has a standard menu with rotating specials – all of which are absolutely mouth-watering.

Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation

The Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation is a non-profit organization that preserves the history and culture of Daufuskie Island. Largely run by volunteers, they have acquired and restored historic buildings, created a self-guided history trail, and so much more.

Iron Fish Gallery & Studio

A gallery featuring the whimsical metal sculptures of artist Chase Allen. Creating his work on-site, the Iron Fish Gallery & Studio has been featured in publications such as Martha Stewart Living, Southern Living, Coastal Living, and US Airways – to name a few.

Melrose Oyster House & Beach Club

A well-rounded stop – especially for extended stays. Melrose Oyster House & Beach Club overlooks the beach and faces Hilton Head. They have a full bar, restaurant, pool, gym, fire pit, and then some. Day trips can be planned around their menu (like prime rib Saturdays) – but this is a perfect place for extended stays, too!

Old Daufuskie Crab Company

Probably the most well-known stop on Daufuskie Island, the Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina is known for its Scrap Iron drink. Live music, friendly faces, and a tidal breeze are included with every meal.

Every Charter

  • Every charter is booked as a private tour for up to six guests.
  • Children and pets are welcome (dogs are not allowed on all beaches, so please discuss with Captain Bryan).
  • Alcohol may be brought on board for guests ages 21 and over.
  • We will provide a cooler with cold water and ice, plus two additional coolers for your personal belongings, beverages, and snacks.
  • Tour includes Coast Guard Licensed Captain, Captain Bryan, as your private guide as well as fuel.

Capt. Bryan is the best of the best! Professional and knowledgeable! We have taken several trips with other companies and Capt. Bryan’s attention to detail exceeds over all others. He knows the lay of the land and picks the location that best suits your group. We will only be going fossil hunting with him!

Justin A. – Savannah, GA
June 2024

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Captain Bryan was great! He is a very safe operator. We had an amazing time while we were out on his boat. I highly recommend.

Christopher L. – Statesboro, GA
July 2022

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Took a boat ride out with Low Country Drifters – Captain Bryan was outstanding!

Enjoyed cruising around Savannah and ended up at Shark Tooth Island 40 shark teeth, some cool dolphin bones and a pepsi cola bottle from the 1940s!

Kayli T. – Guyton, GA
March 2023

Low Country Drifters Facebook Review

My wife and I spent the day on the water with Low Country Drifters on Monday.

It was both exciting and relaxing at the time. Stopped at Tubby’s for lunch. Highly recommend.

Frank N.  – West Chester, PA
February 2023

Low Country Drifters Instagram Review

Captain Bryan with Low Country Drifters was Great! He was very knowledgeable of the inter-coastal waters. You want to find shark’s teeth and fossils? He knows the spot. You want to see dolphins? He knows the spot. Want to catch a mess of fish? He knows the spot. His personality is easygoing and highly entertaining. Will be booking with Low Country Drifters again soon.

Justin H. – Savannah, GA
July 2022

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Couldn’t wait for a second trip- now looking forward to a third one!

This was our second trip with Low Country Drifters, and we have a third one planned!

This time, we went to Shark Tooth Island, where we found not only shark teeth but dolphin teeth and dinosaur bones!
There is nothing Captain Bryan doesn’t know about this island or its history!
He also is a wealth of information on the waterways and Daufuskie Island, where we also had a great tour…and a visit to the rookery where the birds were abundant!

Highly, highly recommended for adults, families, you name it. You won’t be disappointed!

Lauren M. – Tybee Island, GA
June 2024

Low Country Drifters TripAdvisor Review

What a gorgeous and fun day we had with Low Country Drifters!

Captain Bryan’s knowledge of the history of the area made the already beautiful scenery even more interesting. We rode their golf cart around Daufuskie, had a delicious lunch at The Distillery, then went back out on the boat to Shark Tooth Island to hunt for treasures.

We saw so much wildlife – eagles, egrets, cranes, alligators, and dolphins, to name a few. Would highly recommend to anyone!

Hayden L. – Statesboro, GA
March 2025

Low Country Drifters Google Review

We had the best time on our charter with Captain Bryan! We explored a private little island and found sharks teeth, fossils, and crabs. Bryan has a wealth of knowledge and kept us all engaged. We had an absolute amazing time and will be booking future charters with Low Country Drifters!

This will be a memory we will treasure for years to come!
Thank you, Captain Bryan, for making this such a special day for us!

Taryn N. – Orlando, FL
November 2022

Low Country Drifters Google Review

I recently went on an incredible boat tour in Savannah, and it exceeded all my expectations!

We had the chance to see manatees, dolphins, and even ventured to Shark Island.
To top it all off, we spotted some alligators along the way.
The entire experience was thrilling and memorable.

Bryan, our guide, was the best – knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone had a fantastic time.
Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore the natural wonders of Savannah!

Meagan L. – NYC
June 2024

Low Country Drifters TripAdvisor Review

Incredible charter experience! My wife and I took our 2-year-old daughter and her grandparents on a half-day trip and had an absolute blast.

Captain Bryan, the owner, arranged a fantastic trip touring the area and was extremely knowledgeable about the local history and ecology. We saw tons of wildlife, including dolphins and eagles, and visited The Wyld restaurant for lunch before heading back in.

We learned that Captain Bryan is a US Army veteran and it showed in his attention to safety and professionalism. 

Amazing experience, totally recommend, especially for families!

Gregory L. – Ambler, PA
March 2023

Low Country Drifters Google Review

We went on a private boat tour with Low Country Drifters, and it was an unforgettable experience!
Captain Bryan was so knowledgeable and friendly, sharing interesting facts about the history and ecology of the area.
We cruised past beautiful scenery, spotted dolphins playing in the water, found several shark teeth on the beach, and enjoyed a delicious lunch of burgers and patty melts from The Burger Boat.

Since he does private tours, it was just the 3 of us, and we weren’t crammed into a boat with lots of people.
It also allowed Capt Bryan to provide a completely personalized tour.
Our experience was everything we wanted and more! It was a perfect way to spend our first day in Savannah!

Avie C. – Conroe, TX
May 2024

Low Country Drifters Yelp Review

Captain Bryan was great! He is a fun guy and a very safe operator. We saw several groups of porpoises and had an amazing time touring the salt marsh. I highly recommend!

Lance M.  – Statesboro, GA
July 2022

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Captain Bryan gave us a wonderful family adventure! Loved the shark tooth/fossil hunting experience with our grandson, and exploring the Intracoastal waterways. Enjoyed it all!

Nan T. – Savannah, GA
November 2022

Low Country Drifters Yelp Review

Our charter with Captain Bryan was the best part of our whole trip by far!

We had such a fun time finding shark teeth and dinosaur bones and had an amazing lunch on Daufuskie Island!

Cannot recommend Low Country Drifters enough!:)

Courtney W. – Cedar Rapids, IA
April 2023

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Spent the day on the water with Captain Bryan and had an amazing time!

He knew all the best spots in the area and made sure everyone in our group had a great experience.

Highly recommend!

Robert P. – Clarksville, TN
June 2022

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Low Country Drifters is the best on the ICW!

Captain Bryan is an excellent captain and your guide. My boys loved “Shark tooth island”. We found multiple fossils and shark teeth, and my boys carried them around for weeks. Captain Bryan knew the best fishing and crabbing spots.

He was flexible with our wants and kept us entertained the entire time. We can’t wait to go out for another excursion!

Alex C. – Statesboro, GA
July 2022

Low Country Drifters Google Review

What a great day out on the water and visiting Shark Tooth Island.

Highly recommend Captain Bryan and Low Country Drifters for a great experience.

Lisa B. – Gastonia, NC
March 2023

Low Country Drifters Facebook Review

Great experience! We saw dolphins, a sea otter and even found a shark tooth, had a great lunch on Daufuskie Island…

Bryan was prepared as a captain and kept us informed every step of the trip, clean spacious boat, and overall A+ experience.

I will definitely be coming back!!!

Sean M. – Brooklet, GA
February 2023

Low Country Drifters Google Review

If you are visiting Savannah, this is a must! Great way to experience Savannah’s waterfront and surrounding marshlands.

Captain Bryan was very knowledgeable and very personable. We enjoyed every part of the trip. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Captain Bryan.

You will be happy you booked with Captain Bryan.

Barbara F. – Summit, NJ
February 2023

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Amazing experience. Captain Bryan is a true professional who knows his stuff. Historical facts, deserted islands, dinosaur bones, hidden distilleries, this tour has it all. 12/10 would do this every day! Great time with a truly great Professional.

Mike B. – Savannah, GA
September 2024

Low Country Drifters Google Review

We booked a tour with Bryan, and it did not disappoint!

Bachelorette party of 5, plenty of room for us all and our things for the day. Bryan was an amazing guide, remained flexible to our adventures!

We got history, shark teeth, views of alligators/wildlife and overall amazing time. You will not regret booking this tour!

Amanda C. – Tollhouse, CA
March 2024

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Bryan is an absolute gentleman and the salt of the earth American

he made sure we had an amazing experience and it was worth every penny

highly recommend and when we come back will definitely book a full-day trip with him.

Gregg L. – NYC
June 2024

Low Country Drifters TripAdvisor Review

My husband and two young boys had the absolute best time on the water today with Low Country Drifters!

We learned about the history of the Georgia & South Carolina low country, hunted for fossils, explored Daufuskie Island, and saw all the wildlife… crabs, dolphins, and a pair of bald eagles!

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure in Savannah, please consider supporting this veteran-owned small business.

Captain Bryan is the very best!

Lindsay T.  – Woodstock, GA
November 2022

Low Country Drifters TripAdvisor Review

We had a fun day with Captain Bryan!
We explored a beach, found cool fossils, had a tasty lunch, and saw some dolphins.

He also shared a lot about the history of the area. Captain Bryan took great care of us, and we had an amazing time.

Our trip was kid-approved – two thumbs up from our 4-year-old!

Highly recommended!

Larissa G. – Stonington, CT
June 2024

Low Country Drifters Facebook Review

Went on a tour last week. Fabulous.

Bryan is very knowledgeable. Stopped in Savannah for lunch. Saw lots of islands and inlets. Learned a lot about the history of the area. What a tour!

Rose N.  – West Chester, PA
February 2023

Low Country Drifters Instagram Review

Captain Bryan of Low Country Drifters is an exceptionally knowledgeable boat captain, fossil hunter, and tour guide.

He took my wife and daughter out today to look for shark teeth, dinosaur bones, pottery shards, and other relics of ages past, and we were fully satisfied.

He gave us an ecological and historical tour of the Savannah ICW, brought us to Daufuskie Island in South Carolina for an excellent lunchtime meal, and made sure our photo opportunities were numerous and perfect.

10/10 would recommend to anyone wanting to tour the Savannah area!

Chris B. – Statesboro, GA
January 2023

Low Country Drifters Yelp Review

Who knew I was going to book a custom private boat experience and feel like I walked away with a new friend? Captain Bryan took charge and planned an amazing day, even picking up supplies I needed since my group was from out of town.

We saw local treasures off the beaten path, met some great locals at a few stops, and sang country music as we headed back in with cloudy skies… it was absolute perfection, and no one was going to rain on our parade that day. My only regret is that we didn’t have enough time with him.

Not only is he exceptionally skilled, he’s an interesting gentleman. If you’re looking for a unique and personalized day trip, you can end your search here. We will all miss you, Captain, and be assured we will be back!

Amy R. – St. Louis, MO
October 2024

Low Country Drifters Google Review

10 out of 10 experience. I will be recommending him to all my friends and family!

We had an amazing time with Captain Bryan.
He was so welcoming and beyond knowledgeable about almost everything.

He told us fascinating stories of Savannah history, information on the river and the sharks teeth, and about his own life.

The trip was so fun, the boat is very nice and fit all of our team comfortably. Whenever we needed anything, Captain Bryan was there to assist. Best trip!

Sarah I. – Savannah, GA
September 2024

Low Country Drifters TripAdvisor Review

Captain Bryan is, by far, the most experienced in the business.

His expertise, contagious attitude, love of the area, and personable attitude are BY FAR above and beyond expectations.

I will DEFINITELY book with him again.

Jacqueline A. – Richmond Hill, GA
June 2022

Low Country Drifters Google Review

Amazing experience for the entire family. Captain Bryan is the epitome of a true professional.

He made us all feel so comfortable; it was like being out on the water with a trusted family member. He is so knowledgeable and has so many interesting facts about the area. We had some really good finds on our shark tooth tour, but we enjoyed the rest of the experience just as much.

Already looking at the calendar so we can book another trip. Thank you, sir for the trip, and also your devoted service to our country.

Spahos Family – Statesboro, GA
April 2023

Low Country Drifters Google Review

This veteran-owned business provided the most memorable time we had during our vacation in Savannah!

We had an incredible day with Bryan! All of his insights and historical info enhanced the experience.

The day was full of excitement: found all kinds of fossils and shark teeth including pieces of Megaladon, followed a group of feeding dolphins, enjoyed delicious food, the wildlife, and a distillery on Daufuski Island. Bryan never rushed us to the next place; he allowed us to be fully in the moment.

With his reasonable prices, we definitely got more than we paid for!

Nicole G. – Hastings, NE
June 2024

Low Country Drifters Google Review